Coachella 2012: YOUR ULTIMATE FESTIVAL SURVIVAL GUIDE

Take it from us - Coachella is getting bigger and bigger each year. Going strong since 1999, the three-day musical orgy set in the desert near Palm Springs, Calif. is the benchmark of rock n' roll on the West Coast (sorry Outside Lands), and, at least from LA's perspective, is the official bugle call of summer.

Each year, we wait with bated breath for the official lineup to be announced, but swoon-worthy desert houses, car camping spots and even festival passes sell months and months in advance of knowing who is playing that year.

This year's Coachella sets itself apart for two reasons. One, the weather forecast is vastly milder than any year in recent memory. Fans typically sweat off layers of clothing as highs can reach well over 100 degrees, but this year temperature predictions are in the mere 80s and there are even whispers of rain (gasp)! Secondly, Coachella has cloned itself into two identical back-to-back weekends, and only time will tell if they know what they're doing -- or if a second weekend will only dilute the waters of the fountain of youth that is COACHELLA.

Want to make sure you're prepared for one of the most epic weekends of the year? Not to worry.

Know the difference between day clothes and night clothes. For day, girls should think cut off shorts, printed tops, sundresses, bathing suits or anything sold at Urban Outfitters. Guys are safe with shorts, throw back t-shirts or anything you owned in the 1990s. Remember, we're in the desert so it's hot during the day and cool at night. Don't catch a chill once the sun sets. Bring layers that still look good in photographs. The potential for rain really throws a wrench in the plans, so bring something you don't mind getting dirty. A mud-stomping Black Keys concert might prove to be the most Instagram-able event of the year.

Don't find yourself in a frenzy when you realize that staying for all of Miike Snow means you'll be pushed to the back of crowd at Radiohead -- or that Florence + The Machine's set will end exactly when Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg emerge from a cloud of smoke a good ten minute walk away. Claim your priorities and don't be afraid to fight your friends to the death on them. For more on the biggest Coachella conflicts, click here.

Water is the most obvious choice and you'll regret it later when you're hooked up to an IV in the medical tent. Keep your empty bottles and refill for free at water stands. But there are also plenty of other beverages to quench your desert thirst throughout the day, including beer gardens, frozen lemonade stands and Vitamin Water Zero if you're counting your calories. Just drink something, please.

If you're driving into the festival grounds each day, tack on 45 minutes to your travel time because the lines to get into the Empire Polo Club parking are intense. Once parked, do yourself a favor and take an iPhone photo of where you're parked. Exiting the festival in a "tired" daze makes it challenging to find your vehicle amongst thousands of other Priuses. If you're car-free and opting for the shuttle, expect lines there too. Bottom line: just expect lines.

The Coachella grounds are packed like Disneyland, just with better style. Don't be those girls who link arms ten deep and try to plow through the crowds. Smaller is better and since everyone has strong opinions about who to see (refer to slide #2), it's best to travel in mini groups. Not to worry, you can always meet up with your larger group at specific shows.

Coachella culture extends far beyond the festival grounds. Since many stay in Palm Springs and commute to the Empire Polo Club each day, there are pool parties from here to high heaven. Whip out your best pair of sunglasses and hit up some of the condo or hotel parties before heading over to the fest each day. For clues on the best parties, hang out by the VIP section and eavesdrop or check out Eater or Daily Truffle's handy lists.

Check out the official Coachella app for cool schedule features, maps and more. You can also follow Coachella on Twitter and register your wristband online for extra social media features and potential upgrades. You check also check in on Foursquare and Facebook throughout the fest.

This is 2012. There are no tickets and no passes. Your wristband must be on your person at all times and cannot be removed. Get ready for some futuristic action because your entry into the festival grounds requires only a quick swipe of your wrist and Coachella knows who you are based on your unique ID number.